Social Thinking

Yesterday, I participated in an email conversation with parents of Autistic children.  One of the main concerns of parents was their children making friends.  I thought this would be a great topic for today’s blog.  So, today, I will discuss the foundation of social skills and making friends – social thinking. 

In the past, I have attended Michelle Garcia Winner’s “Social Thinking^® Across the Home and School Day” seminar.  The focus of the conversation concerned what encompasses social thinking and its role in daily conversation.

What is social thinking?  Generally, it is the ability to consider your own and others’ thoughts, emotions and beliefs to help interpret and respond to the information in your mind – and possibly through your social and behavioral interactions.

For example, when meeting someone for the first time, it is polite to look the person in the eyes and introduce yourself. 

This seems natural and second nature, right?  Not necessarily.  From the time children are born, they mimic adults’ social interactions and learn how to effectively share space.  Although, some children can decipher “hidden agendas” in conversations and understand underlying social mores, some need more explicit social direction.

Does this sound familiar?  Have you ever seen a child walk over to a pregnant woman and ask “Why are you fat?”   Although deemed cute if the child is elementary school-aged, it is less endearing if the child is a teenager.

It is important to remember that social skills increase significantly in nuance and sophistication with age.  Some children’s “errors” are due to the fact that they simply don’t recognize the rules have changed.  These children need additional guidance in adapting their behavior effectively based on the situation and what they know about the people involved.  This assistance will help illicit the reaction and response that are the social mores.

This topic is wonderfully thought provoking and always leaves me with a few “To-Do’s.”  As a fitness trainer working with special needs children, how can I help them develop the ability to empathize and better interpret/respond to social interactions?  As an instructor, how can I better lead by social example?

How can we as parents become better communicators and teach our children how to use social thinking to make new friends?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The Dangers of Wandering in Autistic Children

I created Fitness for Health more than 25 years ago to help special needs children maximize their physical potential and, through that time, the Autistic community and local special needs parents have become like a second family to me.  So, today my blog will focus on a very important topic and one that is close to heart - the dangers of Autistic children wandering off.

There has been a lot of news coverage in recent months about Autistic children wandering away from their homes and schools.  One case still receiving much needed publicity is Avonte Oquendo, a non-verbal, Autistic 14-year-old boy who walked out of his school in Long Island, NY, last month.  Unfortunately, Avonte is still missing.

A 2012 study published in the journal, Pediatrics, confirms what parents of Autistic children already know too well - wandering by children with autism is commonplace.  Using parent surveys, the researchers found that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attempt to wander or bolt from a safe, supervised place. More than half of these wandering children go missing – often into dangerous situations.

To ensure our children remain safe - especially now that the weather is turning colder - and avert further tragedies for parents, I want to share these tips from Approach Autism with Advocacy, Recovery & Education (AAWARE).

Six Tips to Help Prevent Wandering and Wandering-Related Tragedies
From AWAARE: Autism Wandering Awareness Alerts Response Education Coalition

1. Secure Your Home.  Consider contacting a professional locksmith, security company or home improvement professional to promote safety and prevention in your home. You may find it is necessary to prevent your loved one from slipping away unnoticed by installing secure dead bolt locks that require keys on both sides, a home security alarm system, inexpensive battery-operated alarms on doors, placing hook and eye locks on all doors above your child's reach, fencing your yard, adhering printable STOP SIGNS to doors, windows and other exits, etc.

2. Consider a Tracking Device.  Check with local law enforcement for Project Lifesaver or LoJak SafetyNet services. These tracking devices are worn on the wrist or ankle and locate the individual through radio frequency. Various GPS tracking systems are also available.

3. Consider an ID Bracelet.  Medical ID bracelets will include your name, telephone number and other important information. They may also state that your child has autism and is non-verbal if applicable. If your child will not wear a bracelet or necklace, consider a temporary tattoo with your contact information. 

4. Teach Your Child to Swim.  Swimming lessons for children with special needs are available at many YMCA locations. The final lesson should be with clothes on. Remember: teaching your child how to swim does not mean your child is safe in water. If you own a pool, fence it and if neighbors have pools, let them know of these safety precautions and your child's tendency to wander. Remove all toys or items of interest from the pool when not in use.

5. Alert Your Neighbors.  It is recommended that caregivers plan a brief visit with neighbors to introduce their loved or provide a photograph. Knowing your neighbors can help reduce the risks associated with wandering. See the caregiver tool kit below for resources to use to alert them. 

6. Alert First Responders.  Providing first responders with key information before an incident occurs may improve response. Informational handouts should include all pertinent information and be copied and carried with caregivers at all times. Circulate the handout to family, neighbors, friends and co-workers, as well as first responders. Click here for resources to use to alert them. 

I hope these resources help to keep our children safe and secure.  Please keep Avonte and his family in your thoughts.